There is nothing more romantic than a waterside wedding, especially after dark. The sound of waves crashing on the shore provides music to a shimmering sunset that creates an unparalleled backdrop of constantly changing golden orange reddish hues dancing on the ocean horizon.

The reasons for not opting for the traditional church wedding are many and varied. This is not an argument about that, but a beach wedding.

A beach wedding can be spiritual or contemporary, depending on your choice. If one of the partners is more spiritual or religious than the other, incorporating both into the ceremony should not be a problem. Choose an interdenominational or interfaith minister or chaplain who is open to what is important and meaningful to you. Ask them for their experience and ideas and what they have done before with other couples. If you choose a celebration minister, you will avoid receiving a dry ceremony. They are also a great source for recommending other wedding vendors, such as florists, photographers, and harpists or DJs.

Beach weddings are affordable. The articles state that the average traditional wedding ranges from $19 to $30 thousand dollars. Beach weddings won’t empty your pockets and are more joyful! At a beach wedding, the focus is on the bridal couple, not the hotel and tableware. After the wedding, people are out on the waterfront, often enjoying a few more days of happiness.

The beach is informal, wide and welcoming. Guests can relax and simply enjoy their special moment outdoors, moving as they please without being stuck in their traditional chairs. The rules are few, the rewards many. The passing pelican or possible glimpse of dolphins adds to the delight. It is truly a celebration of life, a threshold crossing, a uniting of two people or families blended in the midst of life.

Children can be children and run and play immediately after the ceremony.

Attire can be as dressy or casual as you choose for the bridal party, and guests can wear their favorite casual clothes. You can even ask all the guests to wear one or two main colors, like denim and white or off-white or tan and white, so your photos have a beautiful uniform look. Women can enjoy dressing up in dresses that blow in the wind if they wish, while men can choose rolled-up khakis and smart casual shirts. It’s all a matter of choice and you have many options. You can even choose to have a theme or have an integrated look by simply giving everyone an inexpensive flower necklace to wear.

You can have your reception on the beach under the stars or enjoy the comforts of a beach area. The reception can be as simple or as elegant as you like. If sunset is late at night, depending on the time of year, a cake and champagne ceremony may be all you need. Cake and champagne ceremonies are quite popular at the moment. Sometimes, but not often, couples add a wedding brunch to it.

Written by Rev. Elizabeth Berry in conjunction with Ed Strong, Serenity Photos, Fort Myers, Florida.

The cons in my opinion are minor, but here are a few:

The most obvious disadvantage is the indomitable weather, mainly the rain. This is easily overcome with a backup plan to hold the wedding at your hotel if you have an excellent lobby, restaurant, minister’s residence if applicable or better yet consider a waterfront gazebo or pavilion near the beach. If you choose the latter, you can still get married on the beach and use the gazebo just in case.

Some beaches do not allow you to put structures. If you plan to bring more than just the chairs, check what the rules are with your local authorities. Wedding arches are rarely a problem, but anything larger often is.

Beach receptions often require more information on prohibitions and requirements. Again, a nearby pavilion or gazebo which is often used for this may be the way to go.

If the beach is narrow, remember that when you go to see it the tide may be low. Ask how far the water reaches and, if necessary, choose another beach.

Keep an eye out for marshy areas near the beach. If there is a swamp and the time of year is right, there may be bugs. Ask the locals about flying insects and sand fleas.

Standing in the sand barefoot or with shoes can be your thing. For many it is. Some couples even choose to have the ceremony while standing in a few inches of water. For those who prefer not to, choose a location with a terrace, concrete, or other firm flooring.

Most beach weddings don’t require chairs for the 15- or 20-minute ceremony. However, the elderly often need a place to sit. Use your bridal party and make sure there are plenty of inexpensive folding lawn chairs in the trunk ready to go.

The advantages far outweigh the negatives. The few negatives that are there can be easily overcome.